🔗 Share this article White House Starts Tearing Down of East Wing for New Banquet Hall Renovation efforts has begun on a section of the White House's East Wing as planning advance for the creation of a new presidential banquet hall. Construction crews began tearing down large sections of a covered entryway and windows in the East Wing earlier this week, with the construction being described as a "complete modernization" of the structure. The $250 million event space expansion was previously described as being "positioned adjacent to" the existing structure without altering its original design. "It won't interfere with the existing structure. It won't be. It will be close but not touching - and pays total respect to the current structure, which I'm the biggest fan of," was announced in a previous announcement. "It's my cherished. It's my preferred location. I cherish it." The renovation work was revealed through social media, with confirmation that "construction has begun" on the "long-awaited" event area. "For more than 150 years, every President has imagined having a Event Space at the White House to welcome visitors for significant gatherings, State Visits, and more," was written in the declaration. The undertaking is being privately funded by "many generous Patriots" according to public announcements. The White House has acted as the historic home of the American leader for two centuries. The East Wing was initially erected in 1902 and was most recently changed in 1942. From the south side of the structure, witnesses could see multiple substantial items of construction equipment - several featuring US flags - located close to the eastern section. The sheltered access point, which extends across the eastern section's south side, appeared to be undergoing gutting, with concrete debris and steel wires clearly visible from a considerable distance away. The demolition work had brought a limited group of curious onlookers who halted to question journalistic staff about the ongoing work. One female, who was displaying a surgical mask and a placard with an opposing message on it, voiced her concern. She did not identify herself. "I disapprove," she said - seemingly speaking to nobody in particular - as she gestured at the White House from adjacent to a yellow truck that was parked nearby. "Observe the changes to it!"